1. Just as when a ship, billow-tossed in stormy weather, is swiftly dashed to pieces by the swells unless steered by a widely experienced helmsman, so also a human being: when set in the midst of misfortunes, their spirit is quickly broken, and they sustain damage to their salvation unless they possess a mind trained in the Scriptures. Accordingly, I ask you, who are set in the midst of hardships, whoever you are, do lend an attentive ear to my words for a minute that I may offer you solace from scriptural sources insofar as I am able to. Now then, if by being hampered in poverty, you are crushed under the burden of scarcity; if you harbour sorrow over fading into obscurity by loss of rank in the present age; if infirmity has set in, impairing the strength and vitality of your limbs; if grief of this world over bereavement of children and loved ones has thrown your mind and spirit into confusion; or if you have been cut off from the crowd and its hubbub for being infected all over your body and limbs with leprosy patches—stay unbroken, with your mind composed, even as you are confronted with these things. Instead, take refuge in God’s precepts rather to draw comfort from them that you may steer your ship, to wit, the course of your life, in a tranquil harbour, edified by the words of the Lord. Do not presume, however, dearest brother, that God inflicts punishment on us, spurred by hatred; Far from it! It is his genuine affection for us that is thus abundantly demonstrated.